Handicapped Drivers, should it be outlawed?

Question

My inquiry stems from several incidents that have noted terrible, inconsiderate driving by those with handicap license plates. I researched and found a similar question with a very strong best answer:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060914183722AArlomZ&r=w&show_comments=true&pa=FZB6NWHjDG3N56z6v_2wXDYY2CZet40UnMbZr5FdTcmdsA8RzA51pg--&paid=add_comment#openions

I also found a link stating that the driver who caused a five year old to lose their leg, a three year old to lose and eye and another child to lose both legs as well as two others who obtained injuries was not going to be fined nor charged.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/10/03/driver_will_not_be_charged_at_this_time_police_say/

In your opinion, should Handicapped drivers be restricted of their driving privileges?

Answer 1

You cannot generalize like that. There are some very GOOD drivers with hndicapped plates. Drunk driving is still the #1 killer in auto accidents! and, they don't have handicapped plates. Young drivers are a hazard, as are older drivers. I think after a certain age, handicapped or not, people should be road tested. Some people say that all teenagers should not be able to drive until they are 18, because they are generalizing, too. :o)

Answer 2

I think that Tahoe and STUPID Flanders and most of the responses are jumping all over your question without reading it.  Yeah, Handicap drivers tend to drive all messed up.  I've experienced it.  They get all "OH MY, YOU CANNOT SAY THAT ABOUT HANDICAP PEOPLE!" Whatever!  You're asking about a group. You're not saying that they are all crippled freaks and that they shouldn't drive.  You're asking for OUR opinions on the subject.  Geez.

Answer 3

Good question.

I am handicapped with peripheral neuropathy and I wear leg braces. I cannot stand unaided. But I can operate my truck under all conditions and I have about a 0.28 second reaction time (recognition to foot on the brake). Should I be forbidden to drive because I have a physical limitation? Driving only takes 5-10 pct physical effort and it takes 100 pct mental focus. If the hand-eye-foot coordination meets operational requirements, then the privilege should not be restricted or revoked.

However, the medical profession should be required by law to report any physical or mental limitations to the DMV and also to inform the driver that he/she will be required to report to the DMV for further driver evaluation, such as a road test. Anyone being treated for alcoholism or drug addiction should not be licensed - period - until cleared by medical authority.

Answer 4

Come On! I am sure that normal people have caused more accidents than handicapped ones and these stories don't come up just 'cause they are considered "normal " , over the handicapped accidents.

It's the anyone's right to drive.

Answer 5

Ok, I read the article - it's very sad and I feel sorry for all involved.  If I was one of the parents of one of the hurt children I would be angry as well.

That is not to say that I would support a ban on all handicapped drivers.  Reading the article is sounds like a very freak accident, while tragic it could have been caused by anyone.  I believe that driving privileges can be revoked under certain conditions when someone can no longer operate a vehicle, but this should be a case by case basis and NEVER a blanket rule or law.

Answer 6

How can you possibly put all handicapped people under one blanket?  It's one of those questions that has to be answered on a case-by-case basis.  Drunk people cause crashes too, but last I checked people who have gotten drunk in the past can still drive.

If someone has a disability that would make them a danger on the road, there is no way they should be given a license.  But to say that handicapped drivers in general should have restricted privileges?  If I have a bad knee I want to have accessible parking.

Answer 7

No.........but they should under go an annual retesting of both their driving skills as well as understanding the rules of the road as well as taking a mandatory defense driving course also....

Answer 8

If you are asking if it is right to stereotype all handicap drivers as poor drivers, the answer is no.

The Secretary of State (DMV) needs to do a better job in testing each individual in making sure they are able to properly operate a vehicle.  They could be doing a better job, given the fact that there are some people on the road that should not be driving (handicapped or not).

I know plenty of people that are handicapped and good drivers.

I also know some people that are not handicapped who have no business having a license.  

Answer 9

ALL drivers should be restricted on a case by case basis if they are not capable of driving safely or of maintaining control of a vehicle.  We let far too many people drive who have no business doing so.

It is a privilege, not a right.

Answer 10

they should not be restricted, however they should be held just as responsable as all other drivers, as they demand equality they should also bear the burden of responsability like those they envy (us).